Michelle Szott was first elected to the EICS board in 2013, and said her work isn’t done yet.

“After many years volunteering at my children’s schools, sitting on various school parents councils and co-chairing the EICS Parents Communication Committee, I realized that change was needed,” Szott explained.

“Parents and students needed a voice on the board, someone to speak for them and to work not just for them, but with them. My colleague trustees each have their own way of representing the Catholic community in Sherwood Park.

“Mine is a hands-on approach, one that I believe is wanted by the community. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for and with our Strathcona County students and families to ensure the best Catholic education possible. It’s important work that needs to continue, that is why I am running again.”

Key issues for the local Catholic division, Szott said, include understanding the complexities of local and provincial education issues.

“It is what makes a difference in being heard by the provincial government and in getting results,” she explained. “I strongly feel that it is extremely important to remain vigilant in ensuring publicly-funded Catholic education remains a choice in Alberta.”

Szott added she is committed to maintaining high academic and spiritual standards within EICS.

That includes making sure children feel welcomed, safe and cared for, Szott added, noting parents should expect that their child is “valued, honoured for who they are, and... treated with respect in a safe and caring environment.”

“As school trustee, I intend to ensure that decisions and school board policies follow this philosophy,” she explained. “I also intend to continue to be accessible and have open conversations with all parents in Sherwood Park, ensuring that their voices and opinions be heard by the school board and staff.”

Szott said she has a track record that shows her dedication to communication and community engagement, adding: “It is extremely important to connect with (parents, students, the community, and municipal and provincial leaders) so I may listen to what everyone’s needs and concerns are.”

“By attending as many various school functions, celebrations and school council meetings as possible, I have actively engaged with parents, students and teachers,” she noted. “Their active involvement in our children’s education is to be respected, and their voices must be heard.”

Szott continued, noting her years of involvement with Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, before also noting work with the Home-School-Parish connection, as well as her involvement in events and numerous local groups and associations.

“These involvements are proof that we can all work together for the benefit of students.”